Sophia Delgado
Prepping fake nails for gel is a simple process that can be done at home with the right tools. It involves a few key steps: cleaning your nails, pushing back your cuticles, buffing the surface of your nails, applying the fake nails with glue, and then filing and shaping the fake nails to your desired look. The process is similar to preparing your nails for a gel manicure, which also requires shaping and buffing your nails. With the right preparation, fake nails can last for up to two weeks and be a great alternative to salon manicures.
How to prep fake nails for gel:
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Prepare your nails | Remove old polish, soak your nails in warm water, push back your cuticles, trim and file your nails, and buff them. |
| Select the right nail size | Choose a size that fits your natural nail. If you're in between sizes, it's best to size up to avoid the fake nail from lifting and coming off prematurely. |
| Clean your nails | Use nail polish remover with acetone to remove any oils or residue. You can also use alcohol or a dehydrator for this step. |
| Apply glue | Put a small dot of glue on both the fake nail and your natural nail. Press the fake nail just above the cuticle and hold it down for about 10 seconds. |
| Remove excess glue | Use a Q-tip to wipe around the cuticle and remove any glue that has seeped out from under the fake nail. |
| File and shape your fake nails | File the fake nails to your desired shape. You can shape them to be round, pointed, square, almond, or oval. |
| Decorate your nails | You can paint your fake nails with nail polish, add sparkles, or create more elaborate designs. |
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What You'll Learn
Soak nails in warm water
Soaking your nails in warm water is an important step in preparing your nails for fake nails. This will help to soften your nails and cuticles, making it easier to push back your cuticles and create a smooth surface for the fake nails to adhere to.
Start by filling a bowl with warm water. You can add a small amount of body wash or hand soap to the water if you'd like, but avoid using oil as this can make it harder for the fake nails to stick. Soak your hands in the water for around five minutes, or until your nails feel nice and soft.
Once your nails are soft, remove your hands from the water and dry them thoroughly with a cloth. It's important to ensure that your hands and nails are completely dry before moving on to the next step.
Now that your nails are soft, it's time to push back your cuticles. Use an orange stick or cuticle pusher to gently push back the cuticles on each nail. Be careful not to cut or trim your cuticles, as this can increase the risk of infection. Pushing back the cuticles will ensure that you're gluing the fake nails to your nails, not your skin.
With your cuticles pushed back, you can now move on to the next steps of applying fake nails, such as trimming and filing your nails, and applying the glue and fake nails.
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Push back cuticles
Pushing back your cuticles is an important step in the process of applying fake nails. It ensures that you are gluing the fake nails to your natural nails, not your skin. This is important because your cuticles protect your nail beds from infection, and you want to avoid gluing your skin to the fake nails.
To push back your cuticles, start by washing and drying your hands, paying particular attention to your nails and cuticles. Then, soak your nails in warm water for about five minutes. You can add some body wash or hand soap to the water, but avoid using oil as this can affect adhesion. After soaking, your nail beds should be soft, making it easier to push back your cuticles.
Use an orange stick or a cuticle pusher to gently push back your cuticles. Be careful not to cut your cuticles with the stick, especially if they are sensitive. Pushing back your cuticles too aggressively can cause them to be cut, which may lead to an infection. Once your cuticles are pushed back, you can proceed to the next steps of the manicure, such as buffing and applying the fake nails.
It is important to note that oil is the "worst enemy" of fake nails. Therefore, avoid using any cuticle oil before applying fake nails, as it can break down the glue. Instead, use products like alcohol or nail polish remover to wipe, dust, and cleanse your nail beds before application.
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Buff and file nails
Buffing and filing your nails are crucial steps in preparing your nails for gel application. Here is a detailed guide:
Buffing:
Start by gently pushing back your cuticles using an orange stick or a cuticle pusher. Be careful not to cut your cuticles as they protect your nail beds from infection. Next, you will want to buff the surface of your natural nails to roughen them and create a coarse surface for the glue or gel to adhere better. Nail buffers come in a range of grit numbers, with lower numbers being coarser. It is recommended to use a buffer with no more than 180 grit to shape and finish.
Filing:
After buffing, use a nail clipper or nail scissors to trim your nails so they are all even. Trim them short, but not too close to the quick, leaving a bit of an edge for the fake nails to hold onto. Then, use a nail file to shape and smooth the edges of your nails. You can file your nails into your desired shape, such as round, pointed, square, almond, or oval.
Additional Tips:
- It is important to work with freshly washed hands and nails. Make sure to remove any nail polish and wipe your nails with nail polish remover to get rid of any oils, as this will ensure the glue lasts and doesn't bubble up or chip.
- When applying the glue, put a small dot of glue on both the fake nail and your natural nail to avoid using too much glue, which can cause it to spread outside the nail and stick to your skin.
- Place the fake nail just above the cuticle and press down onto the nail bed, using an orange stick to avoid getting your fingers glued.
- After applying the fake nails, use a Q-tip to wipe around the cuticle and remove any excess glue.
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Choose the right nail size
Choosing the right nail size is an important step in achieving a well-manicured look. Here's a comprehensive guide to help you select the right fake nail size for your fingers:
Firstly, it's important to note that nail sizes can vary between different hands and even between fingers on the same hand. So, when determining the right nail size, be sure to measure each nail individually. A soft measuring tape, also known as fashion tape, is ideal for this purpose. Alternatively, you can use a small piece of regular tape and a ruler.
To find your nail size, start by placing the tape across the width of your nail. Use a pen to mark the tape at the widest point on both sides of your nail. Repeat this process for each nail, making sure to number each measurement accordingly. These measurements, in millimetres, will correspond to the nail sizes offered by most brands. Compare your measurements to the preset sizes provided by the brand you're considering. Most brands offer a range of sizes, such as small, medium, and large, with specific millimetre measurements for each nail.
When selecting your nail size, it's crucial to choose a size that fits your natural nail bed without extending onto the sides of your fingers. The fake nail should cover the surface of your natural nail when pressed down, but it shouldn't require excessive pressing or sliding to achieve a proper fit. If the fake nail touches the sides of your fingers, it's too big, and you should opt for a smaller size. Remember, it's always better to size down than up, as nails that are too large won't last as long and may require more filing to achieve a proper fit.
In some cases, you may find that your nail size doesn't match the preset sizes offered by a brand. Not to worry! Many companies offer custom options where you can specify your nail measurements, ensuring a perfect fit. Simply provide your measurements in the notes section during checkout, and your order will be tailored to your unique nail size.
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Apply glue to fake and real nails
Applying glue to fake and real nails is a crucial step in the process of attaching fake nails. It is important to remember that the amount of glue used will determine how long the fake nails will last. A small dot of glue on both the fake and real nails is enough to secure the fake nails in place. However, using too much glue can cause it to spread outside the fake nails and stick to your skin.
Before applying the glue, it is important to prepare both your real and fake nails. Start by washing your hands and ensuring your nails and the surrounding areas are completely dry. Remove any nail polish and wipe over your nails with nail polish remover to get rid of any natural oils that may prevent the glue from adhering properly. Push back your cuticles and trim and file your nails to create a smooth edge for the fake nails to adhere to. You can also buff the surface of your natural nails to roughen them and help the glue adhere better.
Once your nails are prepared, apply a small dot of glue to both the fake nail and your real nail. Try to avoid over-gluing as the glue will expand once it comes into contact with a flat surface. Place the fake nail just above your cuticle, keeping it straight to avoid any crooked-looking nails. Press down on the nail bed and hold for about 10 seconds to ensure the fake nail is securely attached.
After applying all the fake nails, use a Q-tip to wipe around the cuticles and remove any excess glue that may have seeped out.
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Frequently asked questions
Start by removing any old nail polish and soaking your nails in warm water. Then, trim and file your nails before buffing them. Push back your cuticles with an orange stick or cuticle pusher. You can also use alcohol or a dehydrator to remove any leftover oils or residue on your nails.
Place a small dot of glue on your real nail and on the fake nail. Position the fake nail just above the cuticle, keeping it straight, and press down onto the nail bed. Hold for 10 seconds to let it set.
If you used nail tape, remove them by soaking your nails in warm water and gently tugging at the sides. For glue-on nails, clip the excess length and soak them in acetone.
This depends on the brand, how well you apply them, and how much glue you use. Fake nails typically last between a few hours and two weeks.
